Clément Le Roux: Creativity on the Open Sea
At StageLync, we love exploring the intersection of art, performance, and community. Next week, we’re joined by Clément Le Roux—a storyteller, sailor, and community worker whose work spans France, Canada, and Scandinavia. From leading a transatlantic artistic voyage to supporting Indigenous filmmaking and transforming a Swedish sailing ship into an artistic residency, Clément’s journey is as captivating as his performances. Tune in as we dive into his world of immersive storytelling, exploration, and the power of performance to connect communities!
How did magic become a part of your life?
Magic has always been a passion for me. As a child, I loved playing, and magic became an extension of that—a way to connect with people through wonder and storytelling. Over time, I became more professional, meeting other artists, working as a consultant for shows in Paris and Montreal, and incorporating magic into various artistic projects. Today, I think about and create magic almost every day.
How did you get into sailing?
My family had connections to sailing, but I never really engaged with it until 2019. I saw a job listing for a sailor who was also a community worker, which intrigued me. I applied and within two weeks got a call inviting me to sail for four months. I jumped at the opportunity, and since then, I’ve never looked back. It became a huge part of my life, blending adventure, community work, and art.
Can you tell us about the transatlantic sailing project and how it came to be?
In 2020, during the pandemic, I learned about a previous transatlantic sailing project focused on community engagement. I wanted to revive it, so I started reaching out to organizations and fundraising. Though the pandemic halted my progress, I connected with people involved in rebuilding a Swedish ship in Denmark, which eventually led me to another opportunity. A sailing boat, the Rava Avice, contacted me about an expedition to Canada, asking if I had a project. I had no funds, participants, or organization at the time, but I asked for three months to make it happen. I secured funding through a France-Quebec cultural initiative, partnered with a nonprofit, recruited artists, and built the project from scratch. By December 2023, it was officially funded, and by 2024, we set sail with 37 people on board, including seven artists who engaged in creative exploration during the journey.
What was life like on the boat for the artists?
It was a truly immersive experience. Everyone participated in sailing, cooking, and cleaning—this wasn’t a cruise, it was a working expedition. The artists included illustrators, writers, musicians, visual artists, a storyteller, and myself as a magician. Each artist explored their craft in their own way, but we also collaborated. We created a collective diary where every artist took turns documenting a week at sea through writing or illustrations. The experience forced us to disconnect from the digital world and embrace a slower rhythm. Without phones or internet, conversations became deeper, and we adapted to the rhythm of the ocean.
What did you learn from working with Indigenous communities in Canada?
Through Wapikoni Mobile, I traveled to Indigenous communities with a mobile film studio to help people tell their own stories through filmmaking. The key takeaway was the importance of time—just being present, building trust, and letting stories unfold naturally. We weren’t there to impose our ideas but to offer tools for self-expression. I’d love to expand this by offering Indigenous artists the opportunity to cross the Atlantic on a future sailing expedition, reversing the historical colonial journey and bringing their stories to Europe.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Blending Passions Leads to Unique Opportunities
Clément combined magic, sailing, and community work to create one-of-a-kind artistic experiences, showing that unconventional career paths can be deeply fulfilling. - Taking Risks Opens Doors
He embraced opportunities without overthinking, from joining a four-month sailing trip on short notice to launching a transatlantic artistic residency with no initial funding. - Disconnecting Enhances Creativity
Spending two months at sea without digital distractions led to deeper connections, more meaningful conversations, and an appreciation for the natural rhythm of time. - Collaboration Creates Stronger Stories
Whether on a sailing expedition or in Indigenous filmmaking projects, giving people space to tell their own stories fosters richer and more authentic artistic expressions. - Accessibility in the Arts Matters
Clément emphasizes making artistic opportunities available to everyone, especially underrepresented communities, believing that one small step can change lives.
Featured Image: Courtesy of Clément Le Roux
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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